YOUNG PEOPLE

How can counselling tautoko young people?

Sometimes it can be challenging for tamariki and rangatahi to speak to their whānau; they may find it difficult to express their thoughts or feelings, and there may be many reasons why. Kōrero with someone neutral and not a part of the whānau, can help tamariki and rangatahi feel safe to express themselves. Sometimes tamariki and rangatahi need someone to help them identify tools and strategies to navigate struggles and challenges.

At Āwhina Whānau Services, all our team members are experienced and qualified professionals, each registered with their relevant professional bodies.

  • WHO DO WE HELP?

    We offer comprehensive therapy and counselling services specifically designed for individuals aged 4 to 17 years old. Our goal is to support young people in navigating their emotional and mental health challenges.

  • SERVICES WE PROVIDE

    We provide a range of different therapy services such as talk, art, play, interactive drawing, sand tray and other therapy. We also offer a range of strength and solution based CBT as well as parental and tamariki interactive therapy.

    Other services we provide include adventure/outdoor based therapy, cultural connection, and mentoring. The services were provide are specific for each individuals needs.

  • WHAT WE FOCUS ON

    At Awhina Whanau Services, we recognize the complexity of mental health and well-being, focusing on various interconnected issues that affect individuals and families. Depression and anxiety often intertwine, impacting one's daily life and relationships. Trauma, whether from environmental factors or personal experiences, can lead to profound grief and loss, exacerbating feelings of neglect or abandonment. We address the emotional turmoil arising from bullying and family violence, providing tools for anger management and conflict resolution. Parental separation and changing environments introduce additional stressors, making emotional regulation and self-esteem crucial areas of focus. Understanding one's identity and facilitating healthy attachments are fundamental to healing from sexual violence and other forms of trauma. Through our comprehensive approach, we aim to support individuals navigating these challenges while promoting resilience and recovery.

Testimonies

  • “I admired the respect shown towards my faith and the fact that it was allowed. The diversity between the whānau and how we’re all here for the same reason despite our different circumstances. The freedom within our speech, the inclusion, building relationships. Shows we are ‘not alone’ especially in the struggle of raising children. Being a mother can be a very lonely part of life” — Parent

  • “We are really seeing some awesome changes in our wee man and tried some of the communication techniques you provided this evening with his fear of being told off and he not only told us what happened but apologised to his brother” — Caregiver of Tamariki

  • “He has moved from being so anxious that he can’t leave the house to interacting with the boys at Te Kura and realizing that not all children will bully him. He is giving things a go now. This is huge” — Parent of 10-year-old boy

  • “I don’t feel so scary going to talk to the judge because I feel safe and know that no one can hurt me anymore” – Tamariki aged 10 years old

THE NEXT STEPS…

Process of engagement

  1. An enquiry is received, and contact will be made with whānau to accept or discuss other options with a referral.

  2. We initially meet with whānau (parent(s), caregivers or guardians) for a whakawhanaungatanga hui. This hui enables the whānau to ask any questions and get an understanding of what service may be provided for their tamaiti/tamariki or rangatahi. The child therapist will complete an assessment and required paperwork with whānau (hui is usually between 1½ hours to 2 hours).

  3. The next step is for the child therapist to take the referral and assessment to a MDT (multi disciplinary team) hui where the tangata whai ora will be allocated to a child therapist in Āwhina Whānau Services.

  4. The allocated child therapist will then make contact with the whānau to start the therapy process.